Ye Wen saw Chi Yang Shen Jun’s expression change drastically, his gaze fixed behind him, and he pondered inwardly: “What is behind me that causes him such astonishment?” Yet, he dared not turn his head, fearing that a moment’s distraction would lead to Chi Yang Shen Jun’s overbearing palm strike instantly killing him. Ye Wen even suspected that Chi Yang Shen Jun might deliberately be using this tactic to divert his attention. Although he didn't believe this long-established figure would resort to such low-trickery, he couldn't afford to relax his guard against someone so utterly unpredictable, who acted purely on whim.

However, his overthinking inevitably led to a lapse in focus, however momentary. In that brief instant of stunned silence, he saw Chi Yang Shen Jun before him shift his body and lunge forward in the blink of an eye. Ye Wen was aghast and immediately channeled the Purple Haze Skill to defend, his palms radiating violet energy as he unleashed a continuous series of soft palms, tightly guarding his vital openings.

He sought not to repel the enemy, but merely to use this relentless barrage of palms to force Chi Yang Shen Jun back, or at the very least, prevent injury. Thus, every strike in this continuous sequence was infused with ten parts of his internal power. His two bare hands subtly morphed into an impenetrable wall, shrouded by swirling purple energy, concealing his vital points and making him invisible to anyone looking from the front.

Though Ye Wen defended stoutly, Chi Yang Shen Jun paid him no mind. With a casual slap amidst the palm curtain, he spun past Ye Wen, not sparing him a second glance. As Ye Wen was mid-swing, he suddenly felt a blow strike his right palm—a torrent of fiery energy pierced straight through his body.

Had Ye Wen not focused all his power into those two hands, that hand would likely have been reduced to charcoal instantly. Even so, this single impact rendered his palm defense unsustainable. He clutched his right wrist with his left, ceaselessly circulating energy, trying to force the fire energy out.

Simultaneously, he turned, finding it very strange that Pei Gong Lie, after breaking his palm defense, chose not to pursue. He certainly didn't believe Chi Yang Shen Jun had suddenly decided to show mercy and spare his life; he was more inclined to believe the eccentric fellow had truly seen something that commanded his greater attention. Especially considering Pei Gong Lie’s expression just moments before, Ye Wen even suspected that someone like Chi Yang Shen Jun’s old flame might exist within his own sect, and the shock of the encounter was what caused the fellow to lose his composure.

“It couldn't be that melodramatic, could it?” Turning around, he saw Chi Yang Shen Jun’s figure transform into a streak of lightning, traversing the distance from the main gate to the front of the main hall in almost a single breath. Only then did Ye Wen realize who Chi Yang Shen Jun was targeting. Just as Xu Xian stepped out from the main hall, Chi Yang Shen Jun lunged toward the young master of the Xu family.

This movement happened almost instantaneously, giving Xu Xian virtually no time to react before Pei Gong Lie reached his side. “Xu Xian?” Ye Wen didn't know why Chi Yang Shen Jun was so agitated upon seeing Xu Xian, but he would soon learn the answer. Xu Xian had recently joined the Shu Mountain Sect, and his martial arts improved by leaps and bounds.

Ye Wen had always considered himself a protagonist in those storybooks and ballads until today, realizing how vast the world was and how countless true masters existed. This man, whose name Ye Wen didn't even know, managed to intercept Ye Wen’s instinctively delivered palm strike with his very first move. Although Pei Gong Lie easily blocked Xu Xian’s palm, he looked surprised, letting out a soft, “Yi?” His face registered suspicion, but his hands were swift.

The left hand that caught Xu Xian’s palm circled and locked, simultaneously erupting with internal energy. A flash of crimson light vanished, followed by surging heatwaves. Xu Xian felt as if his hand was no longer his own; his entire arm was violently yanked outward, the immense force nearly tearing it from his socket.

Simultaneously, the scorching energy coursing through his arm was intensely uncomfortable, causing his Pure Yang Limitless Skill to activate spontaneously to protect his meridians. “Hmm?” The moment Xu Xian’s Pure Yang Limitless Skill activated, Pei Gong Lie noticed immediately. He realized that the Chi Yang Fire Force he had blasted into the young man, who looked as beautiful as a woman, could not gain the upper hand.

Although he had struck casually, not using his full strength, anyone who could block it was clearly exceptional. “Interesting! The Shu Mountain Sect indeed has some tricks up its sleeve!” Ye Wen was not surprised that he could withstand the Chi Yang energy, having heard rumors of it before.

He never expected that a random young man he grabbed could also take his fire force, and that his internal energy methodology was unexpectedly similar to his own—also following a firm, masculine path. Despite these sequential miscalculations, Pei Gong Lie was not annoyed. He followed up with a wrist lock, reversing his previous grand, sweeping style to employ the technique of Minor Seizing Hand.

As his palms twisted and turned, Xu Xian saw only a blur before his left hand was firmly caught. Not only could he not move, but even the transmission of his inner energy was blocked, effectively having his vital meridians seized. Ye Wen witnessed this entire sequence and felt even more apprehensive about Pei Gong Lie: “This Chi Yang Shen Jun, renowned in the Jianghu for over ten years, is certainly not famous without cause.

Looking at this series of movements, how many ordinary people could withstand it?” Especially that final maneuver, the Minor Seizing Hand—it displayed his mastery in a single move. He had thought all of Chi Yang Shen Jun’s power lay in that overbearing fire force, but it turned out his techniques were exquisite, not inferior in the slightest to Ye Wen’s own dominant power. However, Ye Wen had no time to dwell on it now.

With Xu Xian pinned and unable to move by Pei Gong Lie, if he didn't step forward quickly, his junior brother might lose his life here today. But soon, he noticed that Pei Gong Lie seemed to have no intention of killing Xu Xian. Instead, he stared intently at the object Xu Xian was clutching in the hand Pei Gong Lie was restraining.

After a moment, he suddenly asked, “Where did you grab this thing?” In the previous flash of combat, Ye Wen hadn't seen it clearly. Only when Pei Gong Lie asked did he notice that Xu Xian was holding a scarlet thread snake. It was likely Xu Xian had just finished practicing by the Perilous Valley, coincidentally caught a scarlet thread snake, and brought it back.

Hearing intruders arrive, he hadn't had time to secure the snake before running out. Chi Yang Shen Jun happened to see it, leading to the preceding events! Only then did Ye Wen finally rush up to the front of the main hall, only a few meters away from Chi Yang Shen Jun.

He saw Pei Gong Lie’s face etched with urgency, the veins bulging on the hand gripping Xu Xian, his agitation evident: “Speak quickly, or I will slaughter every last person in your Shu Mountain Sect today!” “Pei Gong Lie, release my junior brother first, and I will explain everything to you!” Ye Wen saw Xu Xian’s right hand hanging limply, clearly dislocated from Pei Gong Lie’s previous move, and his left hand held tightly. Such intense pain would have made an ordinary person pass out long ago. Although Xu Xian hadn't fainted, cold sweat beaded on his forehead; he was clearly just enduring.

That’s why Ye Wen asked Chi Yang Shen Jun to release him before discussing terms. But Pei Gong Lie wasn't listening. He roared, “Less nonsense!

Tell me quickly where you found this snake!” As he spoke, he seemed to realize something, glancing at Ye Wen, then at Xu Xian, a look of sudden understanding dawning: “No wonder you two possess such skill at such a young age. You must have benefited greatly from this scarlet thread snake!” Pei Gong Lie’s words startled both Ye Wen and Xu Xian. Though their expressions remained unchanged, they thought inwardly: “This fellow knows about the scarlet thread snake too.

Things are likely much more complicated today!” Seeing their silence, Pei Gong Lie’s suspicion solidified. He sneered, “This Shen Jun doesn't mind telling you—I’ve been searching for this scarlet thread snake for years. If you bring me to the snake today, and if I am pleased, I might let you go!” His expression suddenly shifted, and he increased the pressure on Xu Xian’s hand: “If you don’t speak, I can kill you and search slowly anyway!” The increased pressure made Xu Xian grunt in pain, and the snake slipped from his grip.

However, once freed, the snake did not bite Xu Xian back but instead darted straight for Pei Gong Lie’s wrist. Xu Xian felt a surge of joy, thinking: “Whether it bites or not, I can use this opportunity to escape!” As he expected, if the snake bit, the man would be distracted by the pain and momentarily loosen his grip, allowing him to channel energy to break free. Even if it missed, Pei Gong Lie would certainly recoil from the serpent’s sharp fangs, allowing him to escape.

Before he could even show his relief, he saw the man neither dodge nor flinch, allowing the snake to bite down contemptuously on his wrist, injecting its fire poison into his body. He cursed, “A mere beast dares to act aggressively before this Shen Jun?” As he spoke, he reignited his Chi Yang Fire Force. His arm glowed red, and the scarlet thread snake, still clamped onto Pei Gong Lie’s wrist, instantly turned into charcoal with a snap, falling to the ground.

Although the snake was charred, Xu Xian, whose arm was still tightly gripped, was completely unaffected. Seeing Pei Gong Lie’s power, Ye Wen could only sigh mournfully, “My Shu Mountain Sect is doomed!” Xu Xian was equally terrified, swallowing hard. He had no doubt that if Pei Gong Lie channeled his fire force completely, he could be roasted perfectly inside and out, sharing the fate of the little snake.

Pei Gong Lie was quite pleased with this display, and more importantly, it had effectively intimidated these two skilled young men. He pressed again, “This Shen Jun’s patience is limited. Tell me quickly where you caught this snake.” He paused, then changed his demand: “You lead me there yourself.

Once we reach the spot and I find what I seek, I will trouble you no more!” Ye Wen thought it over deeply and finally said, “Release my junior brother, and I will take you!” Pei Gong Lie studied him, then shook his head. “Your eyes are constantly shifting; you have too many schemes. I don’t trust you!” Then, with a casual movement, he pulled and maneuvered Xu Xian’s dislocated arm, followed by a sharp pat.

A loud ’Kaba’ sound followed, and the dislocated arm snapped back into place. However, the previous injury to the bone and sinew meant that despite the sudden realignment, the intense pain left Xu Xian unable to move. Having done this, Pei Gong Lie stated, “I hold this boy.

You lead the way. If you try any trickery, your junior brother will end up just like that little snake!” Seeing Pei Gong Lie utterly unyielding, Ye Wen was helpless. With his junior brother held captive, he could only say, “Follow me.” He then turned and led the way, with Pei Gong Lie following closely, restraining Xu Xian.

The group rounded the main hall and entered the rear courtyard just as Ning Ruxue rushed out hurriedly, sword in hand, colliding directly with Ye Wen and his party. Ning Ruxue paused briefly upon seeing Ye Wen return, thinking her senior brother had already dealt with the intruder. But then she saw Xu Xian, sweating profusely, being held captive.

She instantly realized the situation was not what she imagined, and she immediately started to draw her long sword. However, just as she raised the sword, she felt a jarring shock in her hand—the sword suddenly slipped from her grasp and flew far away before clattering to the ground. Throughout the entire process, Ning Ruxue never clearly saw what struck her, and her sword hadn't even been fully drawn; the entire scabbard was knocked away.

It was then that Ning Ruxue realized the formidable nature of the intruder. For a moment, she couldn't think of any way to respond, so she instinctively moved toward her senior brother. Ye Wen, however, saw everything clearly.

Pei Gong Lie had merely used a pebble to knock Ning Ruxue’s sword away. More crucially, Pei Gong Lie hadn't used his hand; he had casually flicked a pebble from the ground with his foot, and that pebble carried immense force, striking Ning Ruxue’s sword accurately and sending it flying. “With this level of skill, even if my junior sister and I fought together, we might not be able to handle him!” Ye Wen had been pinning his hopes on the legendary Double Sword Union, but he now saw the gap in strength was so vast that even that combined effort might not suffice.

He no longer wished to involve his junior sister. He simply told Ning Ruxue, “Don’t make a move. Even if we join forces, we are likely no match for this Chi Yang Shen Jun!” Pei Gong Lie actually nodded in agreement.

“Indeed, the cultivation of you youngsters is not bad. Given a few more years, aided by that scarlet thread snake, you might amass the power to contend with this Shen Jun. But right now, you are still too green.” Hearing this, Ning Ruxue’s delicate eyebrows shot up, and she was about to retort when Ye Wen stopped her with a look.

He stepped forward, gently took her delicate jade hand, and whispered, “Don’t worry. This Chi Yang Shen Jun wants to know the location of the scarlet thread snake’s nest. I will take him there today.

Once he finds what he wants, he won’t bother us anymore. Everything will be fine!” He released Ning Ruxue’s hand and turned to Pei Gong Lie, saying, “Follow me, Pei Gong Lie! I hope you keep your word!” Pei Gong Lie chuckled darkly and didn't answer, following Ye Wen deeper inside.

He left Ning Ruxue standing there in a daze, watching her senior brother’s back slowly disappear. As she stood there, she could still feel the lingering sensation of a slight movement in her palm. But the information conveyed by that touch sent her heart into turbulent shock, for Ye Wen had written a single character on her hand: Flee!

Regardless of Ning Ruxue’s confusion, the three men soon arrived at the sheer cliff face behind the back mountain. Upon seeing nothing but barren rock, Pei Gong Lie frowned slightly, beginning to suspect they were trying some trick. Yet, he remained unafraid and retorted, “This place is bare, nothing here.

Do you mean the snake only appears around this spot?” Ye Wen pointed to the cliff face, then upward, “There is a hidden area atop this sheer cliff. It is shielded from external influences, maintaining a climate almost like spring year-round. That is where the scarlet thread snakes appear!” Hearing Ye Wen’s explanation, Pei Gong Lie’s brow finally relaxed.

He looked up at the cliff and discovered a possible foothold area above, which convinced him. “Mr. Pei, could you release my junior brother now?” Considering how perilous this cliff was, Ye Wen reasoned that even with Pei Gong Lie’s profound skill, leading a grown man up would not be easy.

Although he had carried Ning Ruxue down, that was a leap downward, not a climb upward. Even if Ye Wen could ascend and descend freely carrying his heavy sword, that was entirely different from carrying another person—the difference was immense. Pei Gong Lie understood Ye Wen’s implication, but he countered, “You go up first.

Once I find what I’m looking for, I naturally won’t make trouble for you! But before that, Sun…” Ye Wen frowned, but he had no other option. He turned, preparing to use the Cloud-Treading Leap to ascend the cliff, casually asking, “May I ask what exactly Mr.

Pei is seeking?” He hadn't expected Pei Gong Lie to answer, but he did: “If you wish to know, I don’t mind telling you!” Hearing this, Ye Wen relaxed and stopped his ascent, turning back to listen to Pei Gong Lie elaborate. Ye Wen had initially guessed that Pei Gong Lie was looking for the Scarlet Fruit, associating it as a paired product with the scarlet thread snake in his mind. However, when Pei Gong Lie spoke, Ye Wen realized his assumption was wrong.

“This Shen Jun traveled the world years ago, purely to find the scarlet thread snake! Because this Shen Jun’s Chi Yang Fire Force is fiercely potent and exceedingly difficult to cultivate. Without external aid, it might take decades to master!” “When my Master passed this technique to me, he told me there exists a miraculous object in this world, not naturally born, but formed through the confluence of fate and opportunity!

The essence of this thing is a snake, but with a circle of red thread emerging behind its head, hence its name: the scarlet thread snake!” “The scarlet thread snake is incredibly venomous, its poison fiercely hot. An ordinary person struck by it dies instantly, incurable. Its gallbladder contains potent fire energy; an ordinary cultivator consuming it, if used correctly, can enhance their internal cultivation.” “But for one cultivating the Chi Yang Fire Force, consuming it is a monumental tonic!” At this point, Ye Wen finally understood why Chi Yang Shen Jun placed such importance on the scarlet thread snake.

It turned out that eating it was merely a general supplement for him, but for Pei Gong Lie, it was truly a divine treasure, perfectly customized for his Chi Yang Fire Force. Yet, Ye Wen noted that Pei Gong Lie hadn't killed and swallowed the snake’s gallbladder just now, which seemed inconsistent with his words. Pei Gong Lie seemed to sense Ye Wen’s confusion and stated proudly, “Although this Shen Jun hasn't had the aid of the scarlet thread snake, I have already cultivated the Chi Yang Fire Force to a considerable level.

The gallbladder of such a small snake has little use for me now! What I seek now is the Scarlet Thread Snake King!” ...Author’s Note: Look at your comments! Could you two be any more melodramatic?

U